318 



COLLEGE BOTANY 



possible to grow it much farther north than most grains 

 (Fig. 158). 



Rice (Oryza sativa) is grown extensively in Asiatic countries 

 and to some extent in other parts of the world. It requires a 

 warm climate and low, wet soils. The roots, stems and leaves 

 are very similar to wheat. The inflorescence is a close compound 

 panicle; the spikclets are flowered, glumes two and very small, 



FIG. 159. Rice production. 



palese two, the lower one with a straight awn, six stamens and 

 two stigmas. 



We know nothing of the early history of rice other than that 

 it was cultivated at least 2800 years B.C. It is probably used 

 more extensivelv as an article of food than any other grain 

 (Fig. 159). 



Indian corn or maize (Zea mays} (Figs. 160, 161) is an 

 American plant which is grown extensively throughout the west- 

 ern hemisphere and t: some extent in other parts of the world. 



